What is the electricians blade for?

[sousterre1]

I hope this question doesn't make me sound like an idiot, but what's special about the electricians blade? What can it do that a normal blade can't? Why is it that shape? Which specific task is it designed for?

[JRAmmon]

The Electricians blade is for Electricians! Specifically; for splicing Electricians   

On a more serious note, it is used to strip and splice prep a multitude of wiring. The notched end is a wire scraper. The smaller blade helps in more precise control when cutting into wiring insulation. Someone please correct or elaborate if I am wrong.
Josh

[Bladester]

I like the sheepsfoot blade for making precise cuts.  Well, I'm no electrician, but the electrician blade could be used for the same tasks as a sheepsfoot blade.

Also, seems like I've seen a Vic illustration of using the electricians blade???  May be available on their web site?

--Larry

[NutSAK]

From Wikipedia's description of blade types.

"A sheepsfoot knife has a straight edge and a straight dull back that curves towards the edge at the end. It gives the most control, because the dull back edge is made to be held by fingers. Sheepsfoot look like a sheep's hoof. They were used mostly by sailors in old times, as the shape of the tip prevented accidental penetration of the work or a person when the ship rolled suddenly."

The sheepsfoot is also very good at making precise cuts on a flat surface.  Of course, there is also the curved blade surface at the back of Vic's electrician blade that is not part of a normal sheepsfoot blade.  That is typically used for stripping or scraping wire.

[sousterre1]

Thanks for the info chaps, once again. Collectively MT.O members know everything

[nuphoria]

I used to live with a Spark when I was a Chippy so I know exactly why the blade is that shape; it's to help them remember what shape to leave all your chisels and knives in when they have finished brutalising them with wires

[Neil]

EEk!  I hope you showed them the correct use of a large torch
 

[J-sews]

I used to live with a Spark when I was a Chippy so I know exactly why the blade is that shape; it's to help them remember what shape to leave all your chisels and knives in when they have finished brutalising them with wires

Now THAT is funny!

[LightFR]

Electrician blade from a Pioneer special electrician !

[Sparky415]

I used to live with a Spark when I was a Chippy so I know exactly why the blade is that shape; it's to help them remember what shape to leave all your chisels and knives in when they have finished brutalising them with wires

   Lend me a chisel Nurf I can't get this tin of paint open   




  sorry Mate 

[nuphoria]